OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Lawrence Bernard O’Brien, Jr., known by everyone as Larry, 79, passed away unexpectedly Jan. 6, 2026, at his home in Osage City, Kan. Larry was born Jan. 21, 1946, in St. Paul, Kan., to parents Lawrence B. Sr. and Irene V. (Brogan) O’Brien.
In 1957, the family moved to Osage City, Kan., where he has been a life-long resident. Larry attended school in Osage City, graduating from Osage City High School in 1964. That following November, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served until November of 1968.
He took great pride in his service and often spoke of his time aboard the USS Ticonderoga. After his military service, Larry worked as an auto mechanic at a couple of locations in the area, the latest being Branine Motors, from where he retired.
He continued the comradery of his military service as a member of the American Legion Post 198, in Osage City. His love of mechanic work was evident by his yearly involvement with the Annual Cruis’n & Cook’n Car Show held in downtown Osage City. If there was a car show or truck pull, it was likely Larry was a part of it. He loved his family dearly and looked forward to any time they spent together.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Lawrence and Irene O’Brien; brother, Kenneth O’Brien; sister, Linda Getsinger and her husband, Jody Getsinger; and brother-in-law, Robert Bartley.
Larry is survived by his sisters, Becky Bartley, of Osage City, and Susan O’Brien, Pittsburg, Calif.; and countless other nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, Osage City.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Cruis’n and Cook’n Car Show, sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences can be left at vanarsdalefs.com.
